VMAT Radiotherapy. What can I expect?

 Hi Steve

VMAT is the latest kind of Radiotherapy, u will lie on the bench for about 10-15 mins and have the machine moving around you.

You won't feel anything, in fact probably the best part of the treatment plan 

Good luck 

1. Steve

Hi Steve

Couldn't agree more - most definitely the best part of the whole process. Afterall, who doesn't like a lie down ( in my case) mid-morning!

Seriously, there is absolutely nothing to worry about RT. You won't feel a thing.

Regards

Stuart

I am possibly going to start this soon.   I am 77 and aggressive prostate cancer confirmed by biopsy a month ago.  Just had my second Prostap  injection. (PSA 257)   I do not have any symptoms at the moment.    This was picked up via a blood test for a possible bladder infection (Bladder has since been checked OK).     What are the most common side effects of radiation treatment ?     Generally, I feel fit and well,at the moment.   Even OK mentally, as what may have bothered me greatly at the age of 57 or 67, seems less important at 77!  I am eating well, sleeping well and even working well.   Weight 10 stone - steady -  

Grundo, Stuart,

All I need to do is to lie still.

Sounds good.

Hi Cambian

For me, the worst side effect of RT, was bowel problems. These were manageable, once I rigidly followed the diet sheet they should give you ( ask if they don't- I had to!). From memory, I think the RT's said 20% are constipated - I was in the 80% which are the other way.

The second, again for me, was tiredness and lack of stamina. Its difficult to know which causes this and both Prostap and the RT I believe cause it. I have been off the RT for 19 months and although I'm tired, and have reduced stamina, I feel much better than when I was on both RT and Prostap ( last injection in December).

The Prostap may make you put on weight, and, also ( I have recently discovered), may mess up your blood sugar level. In my case, it has tipped me into Type 2 diabetes territory, so I'm now on drugs to surpress that.

Most side effects don't kick in for a couple of weeks, so don't get lulled into a false sense of security!

Hope this helps and above all makes sense!

Regards

Stuart

Hi Cambrian,

The Oncologist told me it would be the fatigue to watch out for.  Also a burning sensation when peeing.

There are a lot of good Men in this Community who have been through it and can give you a lot more good information.

Also, it will probably affect different people in different ways.

For me it's a case of wait and see 

Good luck with your treatment.

Yes , don't even move your eyes, I got told off, trying to follow the machine around.

Oh yes, and as someone else said bowel issues but not while on the machine 

Hi Steve

The enema will have done its thing long before you get anywhere near the machine - so no worries there.

Regards

Stuart

Thanks for replies - Sorry for late response - they were in my SPAM folder.    At the moment, I am not sure whether I will get radiation, or not, they have just suggested that it may be a possibility.   Have been on Prostap since June, but no side effects at all.    Just had second one.    I have never had any symptoms so far.   It was all picked up on a blood test that they didn't even recommend me having!   

I am eating well, sleeping well and working well, and have no fatigue either. Apart from taking the treatment, I am so far just carrying on as normal and not "fighting" it or  "battling" it.    What may have been a disaster when I was 57 or even 67 does not seem so bad now I am almost 78.    Of course, my attitude may change if I start getting symptoms.

One ridiculous thing that I find mildly annoying is that wherever I go, I am usually greeted with "Are you alright?      Very few people know I have anything wrong with me, but I get it all the time in supermarkets, shops, delivery firms etc. even on hospital visits!    

Thanks for info Steve, I am just waiting and seeing at the moment, but forewarned, forearmed -